back of the bus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back of the bus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific location on a bus, often in discussions about seating arrangements or historical contexts related to segregation. Example: "During the civil rights movement, African Americans were often forced to sit at the back of the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You always go to the back of the bus".

The Guardian - Music

I'm not going to the back of the bus!

The New Yorker

"My tampon leaked on the back of the bus!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"If you sit in the back of the bus, you know you're in the back of the bus.

The New York Times

Woe to the girl or woman who refuses to move to the back of the bus.

The New York Times

Mr. Champion, 26, made it to the back of the bus.

The New York Times

He makes you dread that sneeze at the back of the bus.

The New York Times - Books

There was a man and a woman at the back of the bus looking petrified.

Independent

As a result of refusing to move to the back of the bus, Parks was arrested.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mark Salter believes that McCain's back-of-the-bus rambles rarely produce gaffes.

The New Yorker

It's easy to put medical rehabilitation at the back-of-the-bus in medicine.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back of the bus" in a historical context, ensure accuracy and sensitivity regarding the civil rights movement. Provide sufficient context to prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "back of the bus" casually to describe minor inconveniences. Its historical weight can make such comparisons insensitive or inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back of the bus" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier specifying location. It can also function metaphorically, representing discrimination or a position of disadvantage, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back of the bus" is a common prepositional phrase with both literal and figurative meanings. While it directly refers to the rear section of a bus, it carries significant historical weight due to its association with segregation in the United States. As Ludwig highlights, its usage ranges from neutral in historical contexts to potentially insensitive in casual modern contexts. When writing, be mindful of the phrase's connotations and consider the appropriateness of its use depending on the intended audience and message. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, understanding its social implications is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rear of the bus

Replaces "back" with "rear", a more formal synonym, maintaining the physical location.

at the tail end of the bus

Specifies the location using "tail end", emphasizing the bus's extremity.

last row of the bus

Refers to a specific seating area instead of the general back area.

in the back seats of the bus

Highlights the seating arrangement at the back.

being relegated to the margins

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe being pushed to an unimportant position.

being in a disadvantaged position

Focuses on the disadvantage implied by being at the "back of the bus".

being discriminated against

Emphasizes the discriminatory aspect, particularly in historical contexts.

forced to the least desirable spot

Highlights the lack of choice and the undesirable nature of the location.

experiencing segregation

Specifically references the historical segregation implied by the phrase.

being marginalized

Uses a formal term to describe the social or political exclusion implied.

FAQs

What does the expression "back of the bus" symbolize?

The expression "back of the bus" often symbolizes segregation, discrimination, or being relegated to a less favorable or less powerful position, drawing from its historical context in the American Civil Rights Movement.

How can I use "back of the bus" in a sentence?

You can use "back of the bus" literally to refer to the rear section of a bus, or metaphorically to describe someone being treated unfairly or placed in a subordinate role. Example: "Historically, African Americans were forced to sit at the "back of the bus" during segregation."

What is an alternative to using the phrase "back of the bus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "rear of the bus" when referring to the physical location, or phrases like "being marginalized", "experiencing discrimination", or "being in a disadvantaged position" when referring to the metaphorical sense.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "back of the bus" in all situations?

No, it's not always appropriate. Due to its strong association with historical racial segregation, using "back of the bus" casually or in contexts that trivialize discrimination can be insensitive. Be mindful of the historical weight and potential impact of the phrase.